The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh on 25 JUNE called for those responsible for attacks on healthcare workers, facilities, and patients in Myanmar to be held accountable through international processes, warning that such attacks may amount to war crimes.
In the statement, the medical charity, which it describes as a multinational, multifaith body representing fellows and members working to improve medical practice and patient care worldwide, said it was “particularly concerned” by reports from NGOs and media of attacks on medical facilities and personnel in Myanmar. More than five years after the military coup, the College said, attacks on communities, including airstrikes on villages and other civilian areas, continue to cause loss of life, displacement, and suffering.
The College said the destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the intimidation of medical professionals have severely weakened Myanmar’s health system, leaving many people without access to basic care. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers provide care under extremely difficult circumstances and must be protected, the statement said, adding that targeting medical services endangers healthcare staff while depriving vulnerable populations of lifesaving treatment.
The College said it shared concerns raised by international organisations that have warned attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities, and other protected sites by Myanmar’s military authorities may constitute war crimes and said it had “zero tolerance” for the persecution, intimidation, or harassment of healthcare professionals.
The statement also condemned attempts by individuals to falsely claim association with any Medical Royal College to enhance their own credibility or legitimacy, saying such conduct is “wholly incompatible with the values of the medical profession.”
The College called on the international community not to turn away from what it called the “abhorrent weaponisation of healthcare” in Myanmar, urging urgent action to protect civilians, safeguard healthcare services, and ensure humanitarian access. It called for those responsible for violations of international law to be held accountable through established international processes.
